What are the best ways to set up a website for your Library Services consulting business?

2 Choose a platform

A platform is the software that powers your website and allows you to create and manage your content. There are many platforms to choose from, depending on your budget, your skills, and your preferences. Some of the most common platforms for library services consultants are WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, and Weebly. WordPress is the most flexible and customizable, but it requires some technical knowledge and maintenance. Squarespace, Wix, and Weebly are more user-friendly and offer ready-made templates and features, but they have less control and customization options. You should compare the pros and cons of each platform and decide which one suits your needs and goals.

4 Optimize your content

Creating content for your website is essential for showcasing your expertise, services, and portfolio. Aim to make your content relevant, engaging, and informative. Demonstrate your value proposition, credentials, and testimonials as well. Additionally, optimizing your content for search engines can help you rank higher and attract more organic traffic. Some of the best practices for optimizing your content include using keywords related to your niche and services, writing clear and catchy headlines and subheadings, using short and simple sentences and paragraphs, highlighting key points with bullet points and lists, illustrating and supporting your content with images and videos, providing more resources and references with internal and external links, and inviting visitors to contact you or sign up for your newsletter with a call to action.

5 Update your website

A website is not a static product, but a dynamic and evolving one. You need to update your website regularly to keep it fresh, relevant, and secure. You should monitor your website performance, your traffic, and your feedback, and make changes accordingly. You should also add new content, such as blog posts, case studies, or testimonials, to showcase your latest work and achievements. Updating your website will help you maintain your reputation, your authority, and your relationship with your clients and prospects.

6 Promote your website

Growing your library services consulting business requires more than just a website. You should use a combination of online and offline marketing strategies to reach your target audience and generate leads. Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, can be effective in sharing content and engaging with followers. Email marketing is also a great way to build your list, send newsletters, and offer incentives. Additionally, listing your website and services on online directories, such as LibGuides, ALA, or SLA, can help reach potential customers. Participating in online forums, groups, or communities, such as Reddit, Quora, or LibraryThing can help establish credibility. Offline methods such as business cards, flyers, or brochures can also be used to distribute your website and contact information.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?